Bible Seminar | Fr. Indra Sanjaya, Pr.

Explanation of Violence in the Old Testament

Stories of violence are often found in the Bible, especially when we delve deeper into the Old Testament. There are at least three main points to highlight regarding the presence of violence in these narratives. These three points show how violence is displayed, interpreted, and plays a role in the context of the Old Testament world which is quite different when compared to the context of the New Testament and today's reality.

The following are three main points that reflect the forms of violence in the Old Testament:

1. Human Violence

This form of violence appears in human relationships, as in the story of Cain and Abel (Gen 4:1–26, TB 2), when envy and anger drive Cain to kill his own brother. This narrative is the first description of violence between people in the Bible.

2. Violence in Prayer

The Israelites often expressed their struggles through emotional prayers, especially since they were surrounded by many enemies at that time. The imprecatory psalms reflect cries for justice and retribution against enemies. In these prayers, the people of Israel pleaded with God for strength and victory over oppressive nations. It is important to understand that the book of Psalms is part of a genre of prayer literature that reflects the cry of a deeply oppressed people. Therefore, the violent expressions in the psalms need to be read in a literary and theological context, not as a literal urge for revenge.

3. Violence Committed or Commanded by God

In several biblical passages, violence is presented as part of divine action, both as a form of judgment and as a direct command to His people. Examples include the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:12-29, TB 2), the flood in Noah's time (Gen 6:7, TB 2), and God's command to destroy the Amalekites, including women, children, and infants (1 Sam 15:2-3, TB 2). These narratives often raise ethical and theological tensions for modern readers, requiring thoughtful interpretation in the context of history, literature, and faith.

The Purpose of Violent Texts

The writers of the Old Testament did not write violent stories for no good reason, but rather with specific intentions related to moral and theological messages. Violence is presented as a consequence of sin, a form of God's justice, or a people's struggle against oppression. These narratives are not simply historical accounts, but a means of conveying the truths of faith, showing the relationship between God and humanity, and raising awareness of moral responsibility in salvation history.

Legal Solutions

Some violent texts in the Old Testament are presented as a form of punishment for the purpose of preventing evil and upholding justice. One example that is often misunderstood is the principle of "an eye for an eye". Losses resulting from conflicts involving pregnant women should be compensated. An equal punishment should also be imposed on her as a consequence of her actions (Ex 21:24, TB 2); if a person intentionally causes the loss of a limb, then the same should be made up by that person as compensation (Lev 24:20, TB 2); A person who gives false testimony and causes harm to his neighbor will receive consequences equal to the harm he caused (Deut 19:15-21, TB 2). This principle is not meant to justify revenge, but rather as a fair and proportional legal restriction, a safeguard against excessive punishment, as well as a mechanism for restorative justice in ancient societies.

Symbolic Meaning

Narratives of extermination, such as in the book of Joshua and 1 Samuel 15:2-3, contain symbolic meanings that emphasize the holiness of God's chosen people and recognition of God's supreme power over all nations. Violence in this context does not necessarily have to be interpreted in a literal historical sense, but as a theological representation of the separation of God's people from the influence of sin and disobedience, and the assertion of divine authority in salvation history.

Emotional Prayer

Psalms that call for vengeance are often emotional outpourings from people experiencing suffering and oppression. These prayers reflect the cries of the hearts of the people who entrust their pain and justice completely to God. In this context, the call for vengeance is not a call to violence, but rather an expression of faith that God is a just judge, who will act in defense of the oppressed.

The Challenge of Violence in the Bible

The appearance of violent texts in the Bible often causes confusion and tension for believers, as they seem to contradict the common image of God as a loving person. However, as several speakers and Bible scholars have noted, despite the existence of such texts, very few Christians actually commit violence based on the biblical stories. This suggests that believers tend to prioritize the central teachings of the Bible, particularly the teaching of love taught by Jesus Christ. This tension usually arises when one begins to read the Bible independently, rather than simply hearing readings or explanations in the context of a church service, where the meaning of the text becomes more direct and sometimes confusing without adequate interpretive guidance.

Understanding and Responding to Violence in Old Testament Texts

It is important to take a balanced approach to reading the Bible, considering the context, narrative and theology as a whole rather than focusing on one or two isolated verses. An overly literal reading of certain texts, especially those that portray God in unusual or disturbing ways, can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Therefore, in such cases, the text needs to be interpreted metaphorically or allegorically. The aim is that the deeper meaning in accordance with the message of love, justice and salvation in the Bible can be properly understood.

Historical Context

In understanding biblical texts, it is important to realize that the authors lived in the historical and cultural context of their times. They wrote based on their life experiences, socio-political situations, and the prevailing value systems of the time. This is reflected in their writing style, word choice, and the way they describe God, the people, and the world around them. Therefore, many texts that contain elements of violence need to be read by considering their cultural and historical background. With this approach, readers can understand that the divine message was conveyed through language and symbols that were relevant to the society of the time, without having to apply them literally in the present context.

The role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is understood as the pinnacle of God's revelation, whose presence and teachings are the ultimate benchmark for Christian morality. In Him, believers see the true embodiment of divine love, forgiveness, and justice. Jesus' teachings, such as the command to "...love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt 5:44, TB 2), radically shift the paradigm of violence that appears in some Old Testament texts towards an inclusive and transformative ethic of love. Jesus thus becomes the main interpretive key in understanding the entire Bible, including difficult and controversial passages. All forms of Christian teaching and action should always be returned to the example of Christ's life and love.

The Church's Response to Reading Violent Texts in the Bible

The presence of violent texts in the Bible often raises questions, but it does not necessarily undermine the authority and integrity of Scripture. Rather, they show that the Bible does not hide the harsh realities of human life and the struggles of faith that accompany them. In pastoral contexts, churches often take the wise step of not including some of the most violent or violent parts of the Bible in the liturgical lectionary, the official reading list in worship. This choice is not to avoid the truth of the Bible, but rather as a form of pastoral responsibility to prevent confusion, misunderstanding or even scandal among the faithful, especially for those who are not ready to understand the historical and theological context of these texts.